What are the best "starter" books for understanding the beginnings of agriculture, sedentism, and urbanism? Preferably pretty recent, with an emphasis on archaeology, economics, and anthropometrics (if there is much/any for the period).

I've just skimmed Dillehay (ed.), From Foraging to Farming in the Andes, which was very interesting, and I plan to read James Scott's Against the Grain (I know he's a bit controversial, so I'll to take it with a grain of salt, har har). I'll probably also take a look at Glahn's Economic History of China, Evans' Ancient Mexico and Central America: Archaeology and Culture History, and the edited volume The development of pre-state communities in the ancient Near East.

I'm interested in China and the Near East, of course, but a more global perspective (Andes, Mesoamerica, India, New Guinea, etc.) is always good to have.

I have looked at this sub's book list, but a) only the Mesopotamia section seems like it has a focus on this kind of thing and b) and it's hard to tell from the short descriptions which books deal most directly with what I'm interested in. Any advice is much appreciated!

Hey there you amazing people. I'm stopping by with a request from my Mom (AND I!). I'm looking for a good book or biography on Eleanor of Aquitaine. Maybe something that's a bit more then just pop history, but still easy and readable for a not particularly academic interested audience. Any suggestions or recommendations?

I have a deep interest (and am studying) international affairs and history, and I am interested in learning more about the history of Ireland after its independence. I am particularly interested on how Ireland viewed itself during the Cold War, as it was a country with a large anti-communist faction (the Catholic Church), but still avoided joining NATO due to its complicated relationship with its neighbor. I checked the recommend reading list, but their were no books covering post-1922 Ireland. Does anyone know of any good books to purchase (or check out) on the subject?

Does anyone have any good recommendations for books about WW1 aviation? I read The Friendless Sky: The Great Saga of War in the Air, 1914-1918 by Alexander McKee and didn't think much of it but it's left me wanting something good (and more modern!) to read but I'm struggling to find anything good.

I'm currently reading Flying Fury by James McCudden which is a pretty good autobiography and I know there's a few more written by pilots of the time but I'd also like a good and well written historical overview that covers all theatres and sides. Thankyou!

edit; actually also does anyone have any book recommendations for books covering the history of inter-war aviation?

Does anyone have any good recommendations for audiobooks or podcasts regarding the Sons of Liberty?

I have a base level of knowledge about the group but I would love to have a more in-depth look into them. Audio is best since I can listen on my commute, however I’m not opposed to someone having a great book recommendation.

I really like Crash Course history and I’d like to read a book that approaches history similarly. It’s hard for me to describe its appeal but I’m pretty open to any suggestions.

i'm curious for some reading recommendations around the battle of the atlantic. the one recommendation in the wiki is for Jonathan Dimbleby's "The Battle of the Atlantic: How the Allies Won the War" however it is described as having a:

...traditional viewpoint on the battle - that it was a life or death struggle for the UK - which has been challenged by other recent authors.

this would seem to suggest other recent authors! and viewpoints! any thoughts/suggestions appreciated.